Getting Married in Austria: What to Know in 2026

If you are planning a wedding in Austria, the Austrian rules apply to every marriage celebrated there. This guide explains who can marry, how a civil wedding works, the role of religious ceremonies, and what to do after a name change.

In brief:

• Only a civil marriage before a registrar is legally valid in Austria; a religious wedding alone is not enough.
• Marriage is generally possible from the age of 18, and representation is not permitted.
• The record establishing the capacity to marry (Aufgebot) is valid for no more than six months.
• You may marry with one, two or no witnesses.
• The default matrimonial property system is separation of property (Gütertrennung).

Who can marry in Austria?

As a general rule, a person may marry after reaching the age of 18 and having the capacity to make the decision. This means understanding what marriage means.

Marriage is strictly personal: nobody can say yes on your behalf. Since 1 January 2019, same-sex couples have also been able to marry in Austria.

Marriage is not permitted when a marriage impediment (Eheverbot) exists, including:

• blood relationship in the direct line or, in the collateral line, up to and including the fourth degree, such as between cousins;
• an adoption relationship;
• an existing marriage.

A marriage entered into under coercion is a criminal offence.

Where and how does the civil wedding take place?

You can register for marriage at any registry office (Standesamt). The office prepares the record establishing the capacity to marry, commonly known as the Aufgebot. The wedding itself may take place at another registry office.

In exceptional circumstances, a wedding may also take place outside the registry office if the location is appropriate for the significance of the marriage.

During the ceremony, the registrar asks each person individually whether they wish to marry the other person. After both answer yes, the registrar declares them legally married. Both parties must be present in person and at the same time.

Because the Aufgebot is valid for only six months, it is advisable to book an appointment in good time.

Witnesses: how many are required?

• Number: 0, 1 or 2
• Age: at least 18
• Identification: official photo identification
• Language: the witness must understand the language of the ceremony, or an interpreter must assist

The couple and any witnesses must present photo identification on the wedding day.

Religious weddings in Austria

A religious ceremony has no legal validity in Austria and therefore does not replace the civil wedding.

Catholic ceremony

Registration should preferably take place at the parish of residence at least 3 months beforehand. Marriage preparation is required, as are two adult witnesses.

Protestant ceremony

An initial discussion is recommended around 6 months beforehand. The civil marriage certificate is required, but witnesses are not compulsory.

Islamic ceremony

The ceremony is conducted by the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (Osztrák Iszlám Hitközség). As a general rule, a civil wedding must take place beforehand.

For a mixed Catholic and Protestant marriage, a joint ceremony involving both ministers may be possible.

Choosing a name and updating records

When marrying, you can choose a shared family name, take a double name, or retain your own name.

If your name changes, the registry office records the change directly in the central population register. A separate change to the residence registration (Meldezettel) is therefore not required. You must notify other organisations yourself:

• AMS: without delay and no later than 1 week if you receive benefits
• Trade authority (GISA): within 4 weeks
• Tax office: within 1 month if you are self-employed
• Land register (Grundbuch): filing fee of 85 euros
• Health insurance provider: free of charge; a new e-card is issued automatically

If you are employed, your employer reports the change to social insurance. If you receive family allowance, notify the tax office immediately.

If you are travelling abroad shortly after the wedding, a name change means that you need a new passport. Check the passport application process in good time.

What changes legally after marriage?

Spouses have obligations including maintaining a shared home, fidelity, fair treatment and mutual assistance. Household duties, childcare and paid work should be divided by mutual agreement and in a balanced way.

In terms of matrimonial property, separation of property applies. Each person keeps the property acquired before and during the marriage and, as a general rule, is responsible only for their own debts. In a divorce, jointly used property and joint savings are divided. A matrimonial agreement (Ehevertrag) can establish different arrangements, either before or during the marriage.

Frequently asked questions

Is a church wedding alone enough?

No. In Austria, only a marriage before a registrar is legally valid.

Must we bring a witness?

No. One or two witnesses may attend, but a civil wedding can also take place without witnesses.

How long is the Aufgebot valid?

The record establishing the capacity to marry is valid for no more than six months.

Does a child’s surname change automatically when the parents marry?

No. The child’s family name can be determined again at the registry office. If this is not done, the previous name remains.

Practical steps

1. Contact a registry office (Standesamt) and ask about the documents and appointment options for your circumstances.
2. Complete the process establishing your capacity to marry and remember that the Aufgebot is valid for no more than six months.
3. Book the civil ceremony in good time, including any ceremony outside the registry office.
4. Decide whether you want zero, one or two witnesses and ensure that everyone brings official photo identification.
5. If you also want a religious ceremony, contact the relevant religious community separately and check its preparation requirements.
6. Choose your name before or at the wedding and make a list of every organisation that must be notified after a change.
7. Apply for a new passport before travelling abroad if your name has changed.

This information is based on sources available online and is not legal advice. Use it at your own risk. For professional advice, contact a lawyer, legal professional or another relevant specialist.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at